Austin vs Charlotte: Full Comparison
Updated November 2026 · Cost of living, safety, and climate data
Quick Answer
Austin is 20% more expensive than Charlotte. Charlotte is 5% safer. Charlotte has more comfortable months (6 vs 5). Austin population: 1,002,632. Charlotte population: 964,784.
Which city is better for you?
Based on cost of living indices, FBI crime data, and NOAA climate records.
Cost of Living: Austin vs Charlotte
Charlotte is more affordable overall, with a cost of living index of 100 vs 120 (national average = 100). That's a difference of 20 index points.
| Category | Austin | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Index | 120 | 100 |
| Housing | $2,990/moIndex: 168 | $2,100/moIndex: 118 |
| Groceries | $410/moIndex: 100 | $402/moIndex: 98 |
| Transportation | $368/moIndex: 105 | $350/moIndex: 100 |
| Healthcare | $320/moIndex: 100 | $320/moIndex: 100 |
| Utilities | $220/moIndex: 100 | $209/moIndex: 95 |
Index 100 = national average. Dollar amounts are estimated monthly costs. Sources: BEA Regional Price Parities, C2ER Cost of Living Index.
Safety: Austin vs Charlotte
Charlotte is 5% safer overall, with a crime rate of 37.5 per 1,000 residents vs Austin's 39.5. Charlotte earns a D safety grade compared to Austin's D-. Based on 2023 FBI data.
Austin
Texas
Charlotte
North Carolina
| Metric | Austin | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Overall Crime Rate | 39.5/1K | 37.5/1K |
| Violent Crime Rate | 350.0 | 550.0 |
| Property Crime Rate | 3600.0 | 3200.0 |
| Murder Rate | 4.6 | 9.2 |
| Assault Rate | 278.3 | 373.7 |
| Robbery Rate | 60.6 | 100.0 |
| Burglary Rate | 461.8 | 405.8 |
| Theft Rate | 3112.6 | 2187.6 |
| Vehicle Theft Rate | 763.2 | 503.4 |
Crime rates per 100,000 residents. 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report data. Lower rates are better (safer).
Victim Odds
In Austin, you have a 1 in 25 chance of being a crime victim per year vs 1 in 27 in Charlotte.
Climate: Austin vs Charlotte
Austin Climate Overview
Charlotte Climate Overview
Monthly Temperature Comparison
| Metric | Austin | Charlotte |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Annual High | 80.2°F | 71.6°F |
| Avg Annual Low | 58.7°F | 50.9°F |
| Annual Rain | 33.9" | 41.9" |
| Annual Snow | None | 3.7" |
| Comfortable Months | 5 | 6 |
| Freezing Months | 0 | 1 |
Austin is 8°F warmer in summer than Charlotte, but Charlotte is 10°F colder in winter than Austin. Charlotte gets 4 inches of snow annually, while Austin rarely sees any. Charlotte is wetter with 42" of annual rain compared to 34". Charlotte has more comfortable weather months (6 vs 5).
Frequently Asked Questions
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Learn More About Each City
Safety data: 2023 FBI Uniform Crime Report. Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities and C2ER Cost of Living Index. Climate: NOAA 30-year normals. Not a substitute for local guidance.
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